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The England international made his City debut on Wednesday and he opened the scoring in the 2-0 win over Birmingham in the Carling Cup third round with a blistering 25-yard hit.

Hargreaves was taken off shortly before the hour in a pre-planned move by City boss Roberto Mancini, and he admits he is delighted to be playing again.

"I knew I wasn't far away, just a few tweaks - every time," he told City's official website.

"I don't think people would believe me if I said everything that went on, but I am just happy to be back as I never anticipated in my life I would be out for three years - but I am back and I am happy.

"There were times when it looked bleak and spoke to the best medical people and asked if I was barking up the wrong tree, as it was ridiculous but no they said I had football left in me and believe that too.

Misconception

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Owen Hargreaves is 7/1 to score anytime for Manchester City against Everton this weekend. Bet here.

"I think there was a misconception, I just needed to get in the right direction and the staff and everyone has done well, it will just take time to get into the tempo but so far it has been a great."

Hargreaves revealed he played in a behind closed doors game last week, so there was little doubt he was ready to feature.

"It feels good to get the first game out of the way, but we had a training game last week and I played for an hour - but this was the first official one," he said,

"The lads did well, professional and to get a couple of early goals helped and all in all it was a decent performance.

"I don't score a ton, because I am a midfielder but when I do score they are normally from distance, I don't get many but they tend to be good."